bike starts but wont go anywhere

[newbie1993]

I got my 1997 gs500 started after months of frustration. just the other day I went outside in my back yard so i could give it a test ride... I shifted into first let out the clutch and gave her some throttle, she went nowhere. that made me upset.. any advice is much appreciated

[Janx101]

.... possibles ...

you got a false neutral .. didnt quite click all the way into gear. (how firmly did you 'stomp' the gear lever?)

your clutch cable or clutch plates are stuck down the bottom somewhere .. so its just not re-engaging. (does the clutch lever come back out normal-ish? )

your clutch is completely ratted and needs replacing OR just really severely mis-adjusted and not grabbing.

your chain is missing? 

.. did you get any movement .. even a slight one? ... any strange noises? (rattling/clunking/other)

[newbie1993]

when i shifted into 1st I got chain gear jumping sound. my clutch lever doesnt come back out... are there any clutch cable replacement post somewhere on here?

[Janx101]

why yes there are!! .. think theres even a video or 2 also!! ..

(spends a minute scowling at wireless modem and poking it with a stick) ...

heres Adidasguy clutch LEVER video ..

heres another guys video of cable replacement.... but be careful .. he swears more than a bit sometimes!!

thats just 2 examples! ... expect more responses! 

[newbie1993]

My clutch cable and lever came in today.. Probably a crazy question but is draining the oil necessary when replacing the cable?

[Janx101]

See second vid above for a colourful run through of the procedure 

[newbie1993]

Got everything assembled correctly.. It was a extremely bad clutch cable. It practically fell apart when I took it off.. I also replaced the lever just to be sure.. Engages and disengages smoothly. Thanks Alot!

[newbie1993]

I still believe I need new clutch plates though

[Janx101]

Cool! ... Glad you got it sorted... As to the wear levels and replacement of clutch plates... Best ask one of the 'old heads' around here.... Do a bit of a search on replacing clutch and go from there... 

Pulling that part of the bike all to bits is beyond my 'ken   

[newbie1993]

Should I be able to shift into any gears with the bike engine not running

[oz353]

yup, however you may have to roll it a bit to get it to shift. you should be able to go through the entire gear range and back.

[newbie1993]

I can shift into 1st with the lights on and engine off but no other gears for some reason

[mister]

I can shift into 1st with the lights on and engine off but no other gears for some reason

Don't sweat not being able to cycle through the gears without the engine running and/or the bike moving. But you can try rocking the bike forward/backward while trying to shift. But be warned, cold oil in the GS can make doing anything without the engine running, a tough ask.